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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Dealing with mold

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with mold

Introduction

Mold is a mysterious and frightening problem to deal with, especially if you're not sure how to get rid of it. There are many different types of mold that can be found inside your home when you least expect it. Some types of mold are more harmful than others, so it's important to know what you're dealing with before trying to clean up the mess. In this guide we'll walk through the steps for cleaning up a small or medium size problem first, then expand outwards from there as needed!

Step 1: Check for mold.

The first step in dealing with mold is to find it. Mold starts growing when there is dampness and darkness, so look in the bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and basements of your home. If you have an attic or crawl space that doesn't get much natural light, check these areas too. Be sure to check for black spots on pipes or walls as well as blue or green streaks on ceilings and walls.

Step 2: Identify the problem.

Mold can be found in many places. It can be the result of a water leak, and it often occurs in the bathroom, kitchen or other areas where moisture is common. If there is mold anywhere in your home, you need to take steps quickly to remove as much of it as you can before it spreads further and makes its way into your walls and flooring.

Step 3: Decide how much you can take on yourself.

If you're not sure about how to remove the mold, call a professional. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health!

Step 4: Gather your tools and supplies.

  • Goggles

  • Paper mask (or bandana)

  • Dust mask, disposable or reusable filter masks

  • Rubber gloves, nitrile or latex

  • Tissues and paper towels, preferably few-ply

Step 5: Use separate tools for each room.

Now that you have a sense of the scope of the problem, it's time to decide what tools and products will be most helpful in removing mold from each room. This step might seem unnecessary, but trust us: it's not! The best way to avoid cross-contamination is by using different brushes or pads for each room.

Also, don't forget that some of your tools may need replacing now and then (especially if they've been exposed to moisture). You could also consider purchasing a few extra pieces which can be used throughout all rooms so as not to waste time by having to stop mid-job and go get another one.

Alternatively, if budget isn't an issue for you then there are other ways in which we can help prevent cross-contamination like using disposable wipes instead of rags or cloths (which may carry residual mold spores).

You'll also need a big bucket to mix the solution in and a spray bottle to apply it with, unless you're using premixed products, which are available at Builders Warehouse.

You'll also need a big bucket to mix the solution in and a spray bottle to apply it with, unless you're using premixed products, which are available at Builders Warehouse.

I recommend using an inexpensive 5-gallon paint bucket ($8) for mixing the solution. You can get away with smaller buckets if your room is smaller than 100 square feet or so, but larger ones are needed for larger rooms because they will allow you to mix up more product at once. The reason is that when using bleach, you have to add water slowly while stirring constantly until all of the bleach has been diluted into an even mixture. If the bucket is too small, then there won't be enough room for this process and some of your mixture may not get fully diluted before being sprayed onto surfaces in your home (and may end up causing damage because it contains un-diluted bleach).

Step 6: Cleaning and disinfecting.

Step 6: Cleaning and disinfecting.

Once you’ve identified the moldy area, it’s time to clean it. Mix a solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water in a spray bottle, then apply the solution directly to the moldy area using a paper towel or cloth. Let it sit for five minutes, then wipe clean with a second dry cloth.

Step 7: Deodorize and prevent future mold growth.

To deodorize the area, you can use bleach and water. Start by rinsing the area with clean water, then apply a mixture of one cup of household chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water. Let this sit for at least 5 minutes before wiping up any excess solution. For best results, allow it to dry completely before using your space again.

If your mold problem is particularly severe or if it did not go away after cleaning (or if you have another type of resistant mold), bring in professionals who specialize in removing toxic molds from homes such as BioAir; these experts will be able to assess whether any additional steps are necessary.

In addition to cleaning the affected area(s) in your home thoroughly, there are several other things that can help prevent future mold growth:

  • Use a dehumidifier when possible and/or open windows during dry spells (e.g., when it’s raining outside). This will help keep humidity levels low enough for most molds not to grow inside buildings or homes where they otherwise would thrive on moist surfaces such as walls or ceilings--but take care not overdo it because too much moisture removal may cause condensation problems elsewhere within your building! If possible use both methods together; one without support from another approach will likely fail due towards lackadaisical results since nothing else exists which would serve as extra support aside from maybe frequent vacuuming maintenance schedule services."

Mold is an unsightly, expensive and sometimes hazardous problem that must be dealt with immediately

  • Mold growth is unsightly.

  • Mold growth can be expensive.

  • Mold growth can be hazardous to your health.

  • If you notice mold growth in your home, it must be dealt with immediately!

Conclusion

I hope this article has been helpful to you. If you're dealing with mold, it's important to act quickly and get rid of it as soon as possible. Remember that there are many different types of mold out there, so make sure you know what kind your home or office building has before starting any cleanup process!

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